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Film studies is a course intended to familiarize students with the particulars of film history as well as to provide them with a chance to analyze film as a visual art form. This course should appeal to any and all students who love to watch movies and discuss them. In addition, creative writing will be emphasized in each unit.
In the first part of the course, students will receive an education on the history of film from its initial inception through to the contemporary films of today. During that examination, students will view and appreciate via analysis important films from the various eras of film history. Instruction will be supplemented by viewings of significant films in history and through scholarly articles that explore the nuances of each point in time and how the films were affected.
In the second part of the course, students will be immersed into the films from some of American cinema’s best filmmakers including: Walt Disney, Robert Altman, Steven Spielberg, Charlie Chaplin, Joel and Ethan Cohen, Blake Edwards, D.W. Griffith, James Cameron, Alfred Hitchcock, and more. Through these viewings, students will learn about and be able to analyze such concepts as: mise-en-scene, chiaroscuro, montage, color, sound, editing, cinematic structure, and more. Viewings will be supplemented with scholarly articles that focus on the filmmakers and the films they have produced.
Please note: Films are specifically chosen so as to not blatantly ignore the district’s attitude on school-appropriate content. However, some films in the course will be prefaced by a permission slip in order to honor the wishes of parents or guardians and what their children may view in class (there will be alternative choices offered for any of these films).
Titles with questionable content include but are not limited to: Saving Private Ryan, Birth of a Nation, Psycho, Sophie's Choice, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Victor/Victoria, and M*A*S*H*. There will also be enrichment assignments for students in the form of independent viewing/film review projects where students will be given the option to further explore a filmmaker outside of class. Options will be varied and may require parental review before the student decides upon a film to independently analyze.
Week 1-2: Introduction to Cinema and Film History
Week 1-2: Introduction to Cinema and Film History
Week 1-2: Introduction to Cinema and Film History
1.1 Overview of Cinema
Definition of cinema
Evolution from silent films to modern cinema
1.2 Early Film Pioneers
Lumière Brothers, Georges Méliès, and early cinema techniques
www.rogerebert.com/features/the-lost-pioneers-of-the-early-film-era
1.3 Golden Age of Hollywood
Introduction to the Hollywood studio system
Iconic films and directors from the 1920s-1950s
1.4 World Cinema
Exploration of influential international film movements (French New Wave, Italian Neorealism, etc.)
Highlighting notable directors from various countries
Week 3-4: Film Genres
2.1 Understanding Film Genres
Definition and classification of film genres (drama, comedy, horror, etc.)
Exploration of hybrid genres
2.2 Case Study: Classic Hollywood Genres
Analyzing specific films within classic Hollywood genres (film noir, musicals, westerns)
2.3 Contemporary Genres
Discussion on the evolution of genres in contemporary cinema
Exploration of sub-genres and emerging trends
The rise and fall of movie genres
The rise and fall of movie genres
Week 5-6: Film Analysis and Criticism
3.1 Basics of Film Analysis
Introduction to film language: shot types, editing, cinematography, sound
Understanding mise-en-scène
3.2 Formal Analysis
Analyzing a scene for its technical and visual elements
3.3 Narrative Analysis
Understanding story structure, plot, and character development
Case study: deconstruction of a film's narrative
3.4 Film Criticism
Introduction to film critics and critical theories
Writing a film review
Week 7-8: Directors and Auteurs
4.1 Auteur Theory
Definition and discussion on the concept of the film auteur
Examining works of notable auteurs
4.2 Case Study: Alfred Hitchcock
Analyzing the directorial style and recurring themes in Hitchcock's films
4.3 Contemporary Auteurs
Identifying and discussing modern-day auteurs
Week 9-10: Film and Society
5.1 Representation in Cinema
Examining the portrayal of race, gender, and sexuality in films
Discussion on diversity and inclusivity in the film industry
5.2 Social and Political Impact
Exploring films that have influenced or reflected social and political change
Documentary films and their role in raising awareness
Week 11-12: Introduction to Film Production
6.1 Basics of Filmmaking
Overview of the filmmaking process: pre-production, production, post-production
6.2 Case Study: Behind the Scenes
Analyzing the making of a specific film, from concept to completion
6.3 Hands-On Project
Small group project where students plan and create a short film
Week 13-14: Film Industry and Careers
7.1 The Film Industry
Overview of the global film industry, including major studios and independent filmmaking
7.2 Careers in Film
Exploring various roles in the film industry (director, producer, cinematographer, editor, etc.)
Guest speakers or field trips to connect with industry professionals
Week 15: Final Project and Presentations
8.1 Final Film Analysis Project
Students choose a film for in-depth analysis
Presentation of findings and insights
8.2 Reflection and Discussion
Students reflect on what they've learned throughout the course
Open discussion on the future of cinema and its impact on society
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